Collier County Public Schools is proud to share some exciting news and a significant accomplishment for our community. The State Board of Education (SBOE) designated CCPS on May 22 as an "academically high-performing school district." CCPS met stringent criteria along with eight other Florida school districts.

SBOE based this designation on our district's performance during 2017-2018 following an examination of our school and district grades, financial audit reviews, and 2018-2019 class size compliance.

Dr. Kamela Patton (Photo: Courtesy Roland Scarpa Photography)

Our emphasis has been on equity and access to rigorous and engaging learning experiences. Those tenets of public education are a priority at our more than 50 schools spanning the 2,300 square miles of Collier County. An enhanced focus on social and emotional learning (SEL) and mental health has contributed to a new Strategic Plan imperative for students to be College, Career, and Life Ready. We know that regardless of the path a student chooses, he or she will need to be resilient, have perseverance and work collaboratively.

We continue to expand opportunities for students through Career and Technical Education (CTE) options inclusive of nationally recognized career academies and robust advanced studies programming such as Cambridge, Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment. Additionally, many students continue their education in post-secondary programs at Immokalee Technical College and Lorenzo Walker Technical College and realize a “career in a year” with no debt.

The Class of 2019 is proof positive of the incredible outcomes for CCPS students. Over 3,200 students earned a record of nearly $45 million in scholarship money, which is $3.5 million more than last year. Additionally, our newest CCPS alumni will be attending more than 150 colleges and universities, enlisting in the military and entering the workforce.

I am grateful for our teachers, parents, administrators, community and School Board members who worked to advance student achievement and who made 2018-19 a great school year. Our community has reason to take tremendous pride in our new state designation of “academically high-performing school district” and know we intend to keep climbing higher.

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